I appreciate all the help you guys give. Sorry for all the questions but I am trying to get everything in order before I try to install my xb14 trane condenser. I normally work on automotive AC so I hope I can use some of my equipment to charge my 410a system. I posted a spec sheet of the vacuum pump that I use and my gauge set below. My r134a gauge only goes up to 500 pis on the high side. Is this high enough? I can just use the PT chart to get the temperature for r410a since my gauge only has r22 and r134a temperatures. I have an automotive hose set and unscrewed the quick connect coupler off the end to see what thread the hoses are. I am not sure if I can converter the hoses for use with r410a? What size threads are used for r410a service fittings? If I cant convert the hoses I could probably just by a hose set for my gauges if 500 psi is high enough.

beenthere

08-08-2010 03:06 PM

Considering that R410A is at 102PSIG at a saturation temp of 32°F. Your gauge isn't going to cut it.

Standard residential split systems use 1/4" flare threads.

You should also be using a micron gauge to know when he vacuum is low enough.

Its very hard to see the difference between 29.1 and 29.6" mercury vacuum, on compound gauges.

hartkem

08-08-2010 08:42 PM

Ok, so it looks like I will need to get a dedicated gauge for r410a. Since I won't be doing this often can't I just pull a vacuum on the system for like 2 hours. I realize the micron gauge is the best way to do it and I would have no problem buying one if this was what I did for a living. Anyone recommend a low cost decent r410a gauge set for casual use. I see some on ebay. Any reason to get a 4 way manifold?

beenthere

08-08-2010 09:23 PM

You can vacuum for 2 hours. And not know if it was low enough or not. Do you know any HVAC techs that will come over and use theirs.